Global Arab Network | Grand celebrations in memory of "Sheikh Zayed the Great"

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Grand celebrations in memory of "Sheikh Zayed the Great"

Global Arab Network - - Adam Turner

Tuesday, 12 May 2009 19:36

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage (ADACH) organises grand commemoration on May 19th to mark the centenary of the passing away of Sheikh Zayed the Great (Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (Zayed I) died May 19, 1909) at the Jahili Fort in Al Ain.
Jahili Fort has been chosen for the celebrations because it was built by Sheikh Zayed I.
During the commemoration, numerous events of the centenary will start at the first week of May, highlighting the importance of Sheikh Zayed I. the celebrations also include the opening of an exhibition of Sheikh Zayed I photos, exhibition of documentary produced by ADACH on Sheikh Zayed I and an opening of exhibition for its photos and collections in addition to a variety of heritage events.

“The legacy of our forefathers is the responsibility of the generations. This legacy is a spring full of wisdom and historical events and contributions, like windows open to the understanding of the past and its details necessary in building the future,” said Mohammed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Director General of ADACH.

“We believe in illuminating all aspects of our national identity and make heritage as an activity with an impact on the society’s life. ADACH aims to shed light on the heritage of the fathers and forefathers from which present and future generations can look out in continuous process of communication that achieves the bilateral existence between the traditional and contemporary,” he added.

“Today we celebrate the life of Sheikh Zayed I, in order to highlight the important aspects of his life, introduce his achievements, and raise awareness among Abu Dhabi citizens and residents about the rule of Sheikh Zayed I and the historical value of his era and rule, be proud of forefathers’ history, highlight the leading figures among them and urges citizens to uphold their heritage and history and pass it onto generations, integrate members of society in activities which boost their awareness of their history and heritage, which will push them to further research into the elements of this heritage, in addition to create a social mobility and trigger a debate on issues related to Abu Dhabi’s history and heritage,” Mazrouei said.

The commemoration in Jahili Fort in Al Ain on May 19 comes to complement the ongoing campaign launched May 3, 2009 by the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage to mark "The Centenary of Sheikh Zayed I" at ADACH's headquarters in Abu Dhabi where the Creativity and Talent Centre received students from various schools.

The campaign’s events, which were organised under the title “Look and Participate”, included lectures given by the artists Ali Al-Tamimi in order to create a link between ADACH slogan and elements of Abu Dhabi’s heritage and culture.

The campaign also aims to promote ADACH role as the main sponsor of culture and heritage in Abu Dhabi, and bolster communication with partners in education, media, government departments and ministries.

“Among the titles given to Sheikh Zayed I were ‘Zayed the Great’ for his high prestige among the tribes, ‘The Sheikh of the High Place and Dignity’, ‘Protector of Oman’s Eastern Gate’ and so on,” said Tamimi during a brief biography exposition about the life of the late Sheikh Zayed I.

“Sheikh Zayed I was famous for his sword called ‘Al-Ghamama- the cloud’ and his powerful strike. Abu Dhabi reached the highest possible level of expansion and enjoyed a unique political and economic stability during his rule. In 1862, steam cargo ships sailed between the Gulf and India.

"Sheikh Zayed I became Au Dhabi ruler in 1855, to the joy of its people. It was a difficult time. His leadership was during the height of the British presence, which lasted for three hundred years in the Arabian Gulf.

“Internally, the continuing conflict between the people of the region and the difficulty of seeking their common interest were making the leadership of Sheikh Zayed I a decisive issue as he managed to reaffirm morals and customs of the region, thanks to his wisdom, in order to boost security and stability among its inhabitants.

“Sheikh Zayed I then embarked on a path of civil and architectural trends of the country, proving that he was a man of civil thoughts and concepts and a source of esteem, a real Bedouin of tradition and customs which were engraved by his forefathers.

“In 1905, his thorough vision was reflected in his quest to gather and unite the country’s people. Rulers of Umm Al Quwain, Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman met with Sheikh Zayed I under the latter’s expectations of the Union, which however could not be achieved at that time. His grandson Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan fulfilled his trusteeship by founding the United Arab Emirates in 1971,” Tamimi added.

ADACH distributed a small bag containing an introduction booklet to Sheikh Zayed I titled: Zayed I: The Leading Emirate and Union’s Dream” on all the students present in the festival. A flyer depicting the story and life path of Sheikh Zayed I was also distributed to children aged between 10 and 16 years in addition to posters distributed across schools and universities, containing information about Sheikh Zayed I.

The Authority issues a booklet about children’s activities in Jahili Fort in collaboration with the Strategic Planning Department.

A group of students from schools of Al Ain and the Western Region will visit ADACH on Wednesday and Thursday to brief them on this novelist exhibition.

ADACH will distribute a handbag on all schools to reach the largest possible number of students in order to achieve the campaign’s goals and the Authority’s strategy in reviving heritage and spreading culture and awareness among students and future generations.

Global Arab Network

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